Cloud Invasion (14 page)

Chapter 9

Corinne

"They're baiting us, to see whether we're still alive," Opal said. "Matt thinks the same thing."

"So we ignore this?" Nick sounded flabbergasted.

"For now. There's no indication that they're dangerous, and Bigfoot sightings are reported several times a year," Opal said. "If they ate somebody, then we could look into it. Carefully."

"At least they sent out those closely resembling something already here," Rafe observed. "If some of the others were photographed, we could have trouble."

"Do you think they still plan to discredit the President over the Program? She wasn't the one who started it."

"She's the one who allowed the sixteen to be kept alive," Rafe said. "There are still fifteen left."

"Who have to be killed or captured by normal means, or they'll suspect we're still in business," James said.

"I think Matt may have some friends who can help," Opal mused, staring at the images again.

"Fascinating idea," I said. Opal turned a bright smile in my direction.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Nick lifted an eyebrow at Opal.

"Maybe."

"I may have friends who might help, too."

"Shall we plot and plan?" Opal asked.

"Sure. I'll make calls if you will."

"What the hell are they talking about?" Maye asked as the two of them walked out of the room together.

"It's better if you don't know-at least for now," I said.

"I think we should find a place to stay in Alaska," Rafe said, attempting to divert Maye's attention. "We need something large enough, but hidden as well as we can manage."

"How about one of those fish camps?" I asked. "Some of those things are really nice and look more like fancy hunting lodges."

"Are you prepared for wilderness living?" Rafe asked.

"No. I'm just making suggestions."

"I'll contact Dr. Farrell. He may have ideas," James offered.

* * *

"Anchorage, since you can get us in and out if necessary," James informed me at dinner. "Colonel Hunter worries that Dr. Farrell may be watched, so we shouldn't be together. That means he won't be meeting us there-he'll stay where he is. Besides, we'll be close enough if Bigfoot shows up again and causes problems."

"Where in Anchorage?" Rafe asked.

"Just outside, actually. We'll have some land between us and the neighbors."

"Not looking forward to snowfall measured in yards this winter," Maye said.

"Anchorage isn't that bad," Rafe grinned. "I found good restaurants the last time I was there."

"When was that?" Nick asked.

"Thirty years ago."

Nick opened his mouth to respond. "No, wait," I held up a hand. "I have to slap my forehead and say duh, first."

"Things may have changed," Nick ducked his head to hide the grin.

"Or not." Rafe chuckled.

* * *

Three days later, we stood outside my suite at the Pilchuck facility-all of us, with bags and personal items gathered about us. The other personnel had already left to join Dr. Farrell in Wales, Alaska. We were ready to go to Anchorage.

I'd already sealed off this portion of the facility-even if Merle and his followers came knocking, they'd never find this part. Maye looked uncomfortable at being locked inside what now appeared to be a shallow cave, but I was ready to take her out of those confines.

"Ready?" I asked.

"More than ready," Maye studied her boots.

"We're gone."

* * *

Notes-Colonel Hunter

"We're good," I said, flopping onto a chair in Shaw's new office. That was code between us-Leo would understand that what remained of the Program had just arrived in Anchorage.

Shaw nodded-he'd gotten the message from Corinne, just as I had. It amazed me that she could insert the words straight into our heads, when we were as telepathic as two stumps.

I just wished we could send messages back. Even with the phones she'd given us, I worried that Askins and the others were watching us too closely. It made me want to visit Alaska, just to dodge that scrutiny.

I'd be followed, so that was out of the question. Instead, Laci was attempting to settle into her life again in the Capital's shadow, while Shaw and I worried about our charges.

"Want lunch?" Leo rose and nodded to me.

"Yeah. What sounds good?"

"Philly cheese steaks?"

"Sure."

* * *

Corinne

It was breakfast time, where we were. Auggie and Leo were about to have lunch. They were about to have company.

Disguised company.

We looked like a group of middle managers from a nearby office building as we wandered into The Sandwich Line, a popular lunch destination in Silver Spring.

Leo, we're here
, I sent. Long, communal tables were scattered throughout the small shop, which served hot and cold sandwiches.
Nick's guarding the table at the back-he's wearing the gray suit coat
.

I watched as Leo nudged Auggie as they stood in line, waiting to order.

Cabbage, what are you getting? I don't see anything on the menu you might want
, Rafe informed me. We now stood at the back of the line, but it was moving efficiently. Names would be called whenever an order was ready, so all we had to do was order for Nick and ourselves, then sit down to wait.
I'll have a toasted sub with everything except meat on it
, I responded to Rafe's question.

"How the hell?" Auggie stared at us as we took seats across the table. He and Leo saw us as we were-I found I could manage that. Everybody else saw men in suits.

"Anybody trying to listen will only get the conversation around us," I shrugged.

"How's the place in Anchorage?"

"I feel like I'm in a
Bonanza
episode," Opal said.

"Logs. Big logs," Nick grinned. "I like it."

"You would," Maye frowned at him.

"I need you hooked up," Auggie said to me. "I want updates on what Askins is plotting, or what he knows. You can tell me that, I assume."

"I can tell you that-as much as I can see in him," I said.

"Good. You're sure those phones we have can't be compromised?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'll start sending stuff to you. Feel free to let me know what you think-in the same way you set up lunch."

"I can do that," I said. "Are Nelda and Ray still watching Laci?"

"Yes. They're on the job," Auggie said. "We both feel better about that."

"I want to know if Askins ever leaves town," Rafe said. "Are we prepared to follow him? Are his calls monitored?"

"Matt is working on both those things," Auggie said. "We just can't be seen together very often, you understand."

"I'll be watching to see if any politicians start making a stir about running for the White House," I said.

"Are you saying that this one could already be in office?" Leo breathed.

"It makes sense," I shrugged. "Somebody doesn't run for the Presidency after appearing from nowhere. Auggie, can you get me photographs of all Members of Congress, Governors and big city mayors?"

"I'll do that," James said.

"Current photographs, James," I turned to him.

"Why are you asking for current photographs, now?" Leo was curious.

"Because I want to know whether our enemy is now wearing a disguise and posing as a legitimately-elected politician. I won't know that from an old photograph."

"Holy, fucking hell," Auggie muttered.

"In fact, make sure all photographs sent to me from now on are current. If he's hiding behind somebody else's face, I want to know."

"Anything new on the fifteen?" Opal asked.

"No new sightings, but that could change. We have people-and dogs-in the Juneau area, but so far, nothing has turned up," Auggie replied. "Tracks end in water, that kind of thing."

"So, other than looking at politicians, our hands are tied," Maye huffed.

"For now. We have to lead them to believe you're dead," Leo pointed out. "Don't forget you're all in danger if they learn otherwise."

* * *

Merle Askins' Office

"Sir." A tablet was set in front of the CIA Director.

"Hunter and Shaw went to lunch?" Askins watched the video.

"You asked that they be followed-this is all we have."

"Look at that jerk in the gray suit at the end," Askins snickered. "Bet they're sorry they didn't get their sandwiches to go. Shaw and Hunter are just sitting there, grimacing while the idiots at their table are laughing and joking."

"Want to retain these images?" Askins' assistant asked.

"Hell no. Don't bring me more of the same, either. If it doesn't look useful, trash it."

"I will, sir."

* * *

Corinne

"Home again, home again." I studied the kitchen after we landed in it. A shopping trip to the grocery store was in order-I'd brought what we had from the facility, but supplies had run low before we left. I'd also traded appliances-the ones in our new home weren't up to my (or Rafe's) standards.

"Want to make a list?" Rafe asked, pulling the phone I'd given him out of a pocket.

"Yeah. Put milk and bread on there first."

* * *

"How did you create a bank account for all of us with our new IDs?" Rafe asked as we browsed the produce aisle later.

"It was easy," I shrugged. "I didn't want Auggie connected to anything like that-we could be found out. I had the money stashed in a private account, which I don't care to name, so I just created accounts for all of us. Everybody gets a credit card to match their ID, which is connected to their new bank accounts. End of story."

"Under what pseudonym?" Rafe demanded quietly.

"Not under a pseudonym. Under a Swiss bank account, registered to Harriett Majors, which only I and my husband knew about," I snapped. "I pulled the money out and redistributed it. Congratulations-you now have a million or two at your disposal."

"What about the others?"

"They only have a few hundred thousand to spend. I love you the most," I shook a bunch of celery at him.

He rubbed his forehead, but I didn't miss the slight curl at the edge of his mouth. "Are you going to beat me with that celery or will it go into the soup tonight?" he dropped his hand and grinned.

"Soup," I said.

"Very good. Onions next on the list, cabbage."

The Range Rover we'd inherited with the log cabin was filled with groceries when we got back. Grateful that there'd been a freezer in the garage for extra storage, we unpacked with help from Nick and Opal.

Although it was made of logs, the house looked as if a wealthy family had built and owned it at one time-it had five bedrooms, an entry, living area, media room, large kitchen with pantry, and six bathrooms. It also had several fireplaces and two wood burning stoves-in case the power went off, I suppose.

We now owned it-utilizing James' technical expertise, I'd bought it, Range Rover included, from someone looking to leave Alaska before cold weather set in.

Still, we needed at least one more vehicle. "Who wants to buy another truck?" I asked, once all the groceries were put away.

"I wouldn't mind," James grinned.

"I'll come with you," Nick offered.

"Get something useful," I called out as they headed for the back door and the Range Rover
.

"They'll come home with a Corvette," Rafe said.

"I sure hope not," I said. "It'll be snowed over until spring if they do that."

* * *

"Another sighting-different ones, this time," James handed a tablet to me while Rafe and I cooked dinner later. He and Nick had come back earlier with a four-wheel-drive SUV, which warranted a hug for James. I might have hugged Nick, too, but Ilya was watching.

"There isn't a single thing on the planet-even in mythology-that looks like that one," I sighed, pointing to one of the creatures. To me, it looked as if a giant capybara mated with an alligator. The head and long tail-all alligator. In between-capybara.

The whole animal stood around five feet tall at the shoulders and looked meaner than a rattlesnake. Its partner was smaller and looked more like the other one's dinner.

"What the hell are they doing-out for walkies?" Nick asked, peering over my shoulder.

"I think they're still trying to draw us out, testing whether Auggie was telling the truth," I said. "Any damage?"

"Nothing reported," James said. "The tabloids are going crazy with this, and I gotta tell you, some of them may be closer to the truth than most people believe."

"Any finger pointing at the President?" Opal asked after joining the crowd.